First Year Theology Students after a hard day in the Exam Hall

Preparing for Examinations in Theology

Workshop 21 November, 2008

Before we begin
Take two minutes to jot down a few thoughts for yourself (not for sharing) so be honest
What most worries me about the exams is .

Outline of the Session

1.

A general overview
Why examinations? Revision what and how On the day An examiners view of examinations
Systematic Theology Moral Theology Scripture

2.

Subject by Subject

3.

Questions and Comment

Why examinations?
Examinations are part of the learning process
An element in assessment
The assessment has already started Continuous Assessment

Stimulus to order your thoughts Help you to think under pressure Satisfaction of knowing that you have studied Step on the way to your degree and future career

Revision what and how

Revision: a. The action of revising or looking over again; esp. critical or careful examination or perusal with a view to correcting or improving. Also spec., the action of going over a subject that has already been learnt, esp. in preparation for an examination. (Oxford English Dictionary)

going over a subject that has already been learnt

You are (well, should not be) not seeing it for the first time! Reviewing putting into order all the material at your disposal e.g.
Course outline Lecture Notes lecturers handouts and your own Text Book MOODLE Notes of your reading and study

Get a framework!
What was the aim of this course? If in doubt, look at the aim in Course Module in Kalendarium What were the main sections how do they relate to one and other?

Test yourself!
Try to write outline answers to possible questions without consulting the textbook or notes

How to Revise
What works for you
We are all different and work to different rhythms

Spread it out dont leave it to the end Revise actively

Note-taking Learning e.g. definitions Synthesizing making connections Test yourself e.g. questions in text-book Half hour of active revision better than two just turning over the pages If you get stuck, take a break walk, coffee etc

Practical Tips
Time of Day
We are all different and work to different rhythms

Alone or with others?

What works for you If working with others, need discipline!
e.g. time, place, how long will we work, what method will we use

A Balanced Life
Dont let the other bits of your life disappear
Socialising, sport, family Fresh air helps the brain Adequate sleep Drink and study dont mix

A Word to Mature Students

Your first exams are another adventure enjoy it! Your fears are reasonable e.g.
Ive never done a written exam before
Youve done lots of new things since September!

The old memory lets me down

but it is not just memory work

How will I get through so much?

Take it in stages and pace yourself

Talk about them to your mentor or lecturers

At the Examination
Read the instructions you will get before the examination carefully Check the time-table for
exam dates Times Place Ist Theology exams usually in Top Loftus First day check your seat on the plan
Comparing notes with others can make you nervous

Arrive on time but not too early

Fill out all the details at top of the script, and each subsequent one fully and correctly Follow the instructions of the invigilators Follow instructions on the question paper
If it says two questions do two, not three Take some time to plan the answer rough work Keep an eye on the clock Read the final product before the end

What do I do if I get a blank?

Pause for breath and relax Look at your rough work Try writing a couple of sentences at the end of your rough work Continue only in very extreme cases should you start all over again

What are they looking for?

An examiners view of examinations

Examiners View of Exams

1. We are on your side!
An exam not an attempt to trip you up We love to see you thinking! We do not have to meet a failure quota! Failing you means more work for us! We DO like you and want you to do well

 I need to be able to read your

paper, so write clearly

keep your handwriting neat use space intelligently skip a few lines between answers number answers as on exam paper you are not illuminating the Book of Kells, so no colours please

 Answer the question as it is set, not as

you wish it had been set Exam questions are never set in the tell everything you know about format Make sure you understand what the question means note words like
Outline

Discuss .. Compare Give examples

Three examples from past papers

Comment on the two versions of the Covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17, highlighting any important points of theological interest. (Scripture) Outline the teaching of Dei Verbum on the transmission of divine revelation. (Systematic)
Underlining in the original paper.

Write a short note on each of the following (a) principle of double effect, (b) intrinsically evil acts (c) formal and material norms. Give examples of each. (Moral)

 It helps to have a beginning, a middle

and an end!

A logical order to your presentation spend some time marshalling your ideas A good introductory paragraph is essential
It should be an advance summary of what you intend doing in the answer

Round off with a brief conclusion

 Be sure you understand the technical

terms of your subject Do not write out long biblical quotations (they are easier to read in the bible). Just give the reference (Chapter and verse) and enough to make your point Please re-read your paper for spelling and writing mistakes

Common errors in exam scripts

over-use of apostrophe
Apostrophe is a sign of possession, not plural.

But its means it is, not of it confusion of where and were, there and their using past participle for past tense e.g. she done for she did, he rung for he rang do not use textese

Do your own work! Plagiarism is against the rules

After the Exams

Take a rest! We look forward to seeing you back for second semester begins 2 February Interim results (letter grade A, B, C etc) will be posted on the notice board according to numbers
interim because all results need to be passed by Examination Board in your interests If you have a query, there is a Consultation Day

What it is all about roll on November 2011!

A students prayer
O wise God, I pray that my mind might be rested, my body energized, and my spirit inspired for the exam I must write. Grant me peace and assurance so that I might do the best I am able, regardless of what that might be. Be with my fellow students and may I be a good example to them, offering reassurance and confidence regardless of how I feel. May I be honest and insightful, and able to give a true record of what I have learned. In the end, may any disappointment be borne with grace, and any joy accompanied with humility. I write this exam with you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.